dogma
DOG-muh
/ˈdɒɡmə/
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Implies rigid adherence to rules or principles without questioning, critical evaluation, or willingness to adapt.
The story behind the word. Originating from the ancient Greek verb 'dokein' (to seem or think), dogma originally referred to an opinion or official decree. Early Christian councils used it to define essential church principles, giving the word its sense of unshakeable authority.
Word relationships
- tenet: A tenet is a belief held to be true, whereas dogma carries a negative connotation of stubborn, unquestioning certainty.
- orthodoxy: Orthodoxy refers to accepted traditional beliefs, while dogma emphasizes the authoritative enforcement of those beliefs.
- scepticism: Scepticism encourages constant questioning and doubt rather than uncritical acceptance.
Commonly confused with
- doctrine: Doctrine is a formal teaching; dogma is a doctrine proclaimed as absolute truth that cannot be disputed.
Word family
- dogmatic (adjective): Asserting opinions in a dogmatic or arrogant manner.
- dogmatism (noun): The tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.
Collocations
- rigid dogma
- religious dogma
- question dogma
- challenge dogma
Idioms & expressions
- blind adherence to dogma
- dogma over data
Example sentences
- "Scientific progress often requires challenging established orthodoxy and shattering long-held dogma." Scientific Reform
- "We must base our economic policies on empirical evidence rather than party dogma." Political Speech
Memory hook
Think of a 'DOG' guarding a gate: dogma strictly guards its beliefs and refuses to let any questions pass. Dog guards the door: no questioning allowed.
When not to use
Avoid using for flexible guidelines, suggestions, or open-ended scientific hypotheses.
Fun facts
- In modern biology, the 'Central Dogma' describes how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
Related words
Also appears in
- Philosophy → Epistemology & Knowledge
- Religion & World Beliefs → Comparative Religion & Theology
- Religion & World Beliefs → Faith, Belief & Devotion
- Religion & World Beliefs → Cults & Sects
- Religion & World Beliefs → Theocracy & Religious Law
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → History of Scientific Revolutions
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